Angela joined the College in 1967 at the Northgate Annexe to study Hairdressing. In 1989, she returned as a member of staff, lecturing in Hairdressing, and is proud to have established the county’s first Level 3 equivalent course in the subject. She later progressed to become the College’s Staff Development Officer, completing her degree with the College and eventually serving as a double Head of Faculty. Angela fondly recalls her colleagues and the hairdressing students, especially the times they showcased their work at the Corn Exchange.
Where did your journey with the college begin?
I joined the College back in 1967 to achieve a hairdressing qualification. I was employed at Ann Johnson’s salon on Hospital Road and attended a day release course. Ann also worked at the College and was the first Hairdressing Lecturer. The three-year course took place at the Northgate Annexe, a site of the College in the former County School (which would later become County Upper when it moved to Beeton’s Way), where the Hairdressing department was based. First-year Hair apprentices attended on Mondays, second-year on Tuesdays, and third-year on Wednesdays. We did practical hairdressing in the morning and science and art in the afternoon. I believe we moved to the Suffolk House site in Out Risbygate in my final year.
In 1989, I became a Hairdressing Lecturer at West Suffolk College after working part-time at Kings Lynn College. In 1990, I also became an External Verifier for City and Guilds, verifying NVQ awards across the country. I delivered the first Level 3 Hairdressing course in the county, and we put on some amazing shows at the Corn Exchange in Bury St Edmunds.
When the Training and Development awards were introduced by City and Guilds, all staff working on the new NVQs had to take the D35 Assessor Award. I was seconded to Training and Development and worked with Pauline Barsby to train the staff. We set up a training session, developed a video, and sold it across the country. Unfortunately, the College decided it could not fund the development, but allowed us to take it forward, which proved very successful.
I progressed at the College to become Staff Development Officer, focusing on staff development and providing support where needed. I was very fortunate to have incredible support from then-Principal Nick Foster, who encouraged me to undertake my first degree.
I then moved on to become Faculty Head of Service Industries in 1997, overseeing Hair, Beauty, and Hospitality. Nick Foster later promoted me by combining two faculties. I had applied for a Vice Principal role but was unsuccessful; however, Nick thought I could take on more responsibility, so he joined Service Industries and Business under my leadership.
Do you have any special memories from your time with us?
The first hair student show in the Corn exchange, I have many photos!
I met some amazing people at West Suffolk College and still meet up with many of them. I was also a mentor to new staff, one being Maureen Wright, who was head of HR, and we are still good friends.
Are there any family members who have connections to EEG?
My daughter did her first qualification at West Suffolk College, and my son worked there for a while. He now runs the successful barber shop ‘Carter’s’ opposite the College.
What did you go on to do after your time at WSC?
I went on to be Vice Principal of Otley College in 2002 and then a Management Consultant working in colleges across the country helping develop their Quality systems and often prepare for inspection.
I am retired now.
Is there a message you would like to share as we celebrate our 100 years of history?
West Suffolk College developed me and my career and made me believe in myself, as well as helping others to do the same.
Lastly, do you have any advice for future students and staff at EEG?
Believe in yourself you can do anything you set your mind to.
